Gokyo Trek

This trek features the unbelievable scenery of the remote Gokyo Valley and its festival of beautiful turquoise lakes, moonscape-like glaciers, and stunning mountain vistas that include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu - four of the eight highest peaks on earth! The 360-degree view from Gokyo Ridge is the best in the Khumbu!

The beginning of this trek is the same as hiking to Everest Base Camp. On the way, we'll stay two nights in the village of Namche Bazaar to acclimatize. Namche is considered the trading center for the Khumbu region, and people walk from as far away as Tibet every Saturday to sell their wares here. This is also the hub onto which each trail converges, so yaks and people compete for space in this amphitheater style city.

After visiting Namche, we’ll head up the valley leaving the usual Everest trail and following the rivers run off from the Ngozumpa glacier. After two days we will stop again in the village of Machhermo for another rest day and the chance to hike up Machhermo RI. Our Next stop will be the Gokyo Valley.

Your arrival into this high mountain valley called Gokyo is welcomed by a string of cobalt blue lakes that continue for the 3-hour hike to Gokyo Village, which sits at the foot of Gokyo Ri (18,300 ft) a huge black mound of rock and dirt. The next morning, you're invited to take the 3-hour hike to the summit of this black, rocky mound to witness the 360-degree Himalayan view offered only from this vantage point. The Himalayas stand like giants guarding the border into Tibet. From Gokyo Ri you'll see much more than Mount Everest -- there are magnificent views of many of the other 8000-meter peaks from here as well.

Detail Itinerary,
Day 1:Katmandu (1310m/4298ft)
Our airport representative will be received you at the airport and transfer to Hotel. It is 7km and takes about 10 minutes. Overnight at hotel, B.B plan

Day 2:Kathmandu Valley Sight Seeing & Permit making process
After breakfast beautiful "Kathmandu Valley" sight seeing. This day we visit Shwoyambhunath Stupa, Baudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight at hotel, B.B plan
Day 3:Kathmandu - Lukla (2850m) - Phakding (2600m).
In the morning we take the flight from Kathmandu for Lukla, about 50 minutes with the wonderful views of the Himalaya (on a clear day). After arrival at Lukla there will be sometime taken by the guides to arrange all the porters and necessary requirement. After Organizing with porters and Sherpas the trek starts immediately to Phakding (2600m). Short stage (3h) and down. The short walk will stop at Phakding for the day.

Day 4:Phakding - Namche Bazar (3440m)
We follow the Dudh Koshi River, right and left side alternately. The track cut through the rocks, edged with crops suddenly goes up till Namche Bazar, capital of the Sherpa area: several small shops, Tibetan souvenirs, market on Saturday. As Namche being the hub for every trek in Everest region, it offers plenty of Lodges around. We choose one and stop for the night. 6 hours walk.

Day 5:Namche Bazar - Kumjung (3790m)-Namche
Short but important day to go to Khumjung & back to Namche, not rushing for acclimatization. Visit of the Everest National Park’ Museum (first viewpoints of Khumjung village. Wonderful view of the prince of the place: the Ama Dablam (that means:the mother who rises). In the afternoon, visit of the Kunde experimental “hospital”. 3h walk.

Day 6:Namche- Phortse Tenga (3675m)
Today’s walk will be not long and it is easy with level trail and some gentler descending. The views of Thamserku and some more of the mountains will make you relax enjoyable for the day. This short walk is done keeping in mind to avoid high altitude risk later. Our stop will be at Phortse Tenga today.Lodge. 3.30 hours walk

Day 7:Phortse Tenga - Dole (4040m)
We start walking through the hillside and later catch the trail off into the trail to Gokyo valley while going up into a rhododendrons forest embellished with nice waterfalls. Our overnight stay will be at Dole, small high mountain pasture village. 4h30 hours walk.

Day 8:Dole - Machermo (4440m)
The trail passes from one village to another, and we progressively discover new mountains, especially Cho Oyu (8143m) making border with Tibet. Camp in a high mountain pasture village: Over night at Machermo. 3 hours’ walk. To avoid high altitude risk short walk is precautious.

Day 9:Machermo - Gokyo (4750m)
Our destiny today is to reach up to Gokyo lakes then we will understand that Cho Oyo means “Turquoise lake”. We witness 3rd lake on our trail and stop for the night at Gokyo, center of mountains cirque which is considered by some as aesthetically better than Everest one... 4 hours walk.

Day 10:Gokyo Peak (5280m)
Easy way on the south hillside so slowly our acclimatization is going well. It’s about 5 hours walk in total. The view from Gokyo Ri is only one of the many reasons for visiting Gokyo. Relaxing on the lodge, picturesque lake is worth seeing, and for many more.

Day 11 & 12:Explore around Gokyo to Knobby Views, Fifth Lake and Nameless fangs.
Nameless Fangs (5800 m): It’s well worth scrambling up to have a close look at these tooth-like towers and the views are fantastic. But one should be cautious to make the climb due to high elevation risk, you have to be fit enough and properly acclimatized. The views of Cho Oyo and Gyanchung is breath taking form this distance, also, extensive view of Everest you’ll get anywhere in the Khumbu region.
Ngozumpa (the fifth lake/ 4490 m): it takes 3.30 hours from Gokyo climbing the moraine, the views of Everest from here is more extensive than from Gokyo Ri or Kala Patthar. OR you can choose to go to Knobby View (5553m): Another stunning viewpoint better even than Nameless fangs. To summit is more satisfying. It is most probably the best viewpoint in whole Khumbu. The only route that can be recommended is the spur that begins close to the fifth lake. Initially the ridge is steep but later it soon eases off. There are so called two summits here, one what looked the summit from below is a surprise, the real one is couple of knobs away. Even though, the false summit is also satisfying for most of the trekkers. From the real summit the lakes, glacier, snow and ice everywhere is an alpine scene without climbing any major peaks. Our expert guide will be very supportive to take you to the summit and carefully to take you down as descending is also not easy and it is tricky.

Day 13:Namche Bazar – Phakding

Day 14:Phakding to Lukla

Day 15:Flight Lukla – Kathmandu
Flight which again takes about 50 minutes. The transfer will be arranged to take you to the hotel at Kathmandu. Free day.

The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest, and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas. In a supported trek, heavy items are carried by porters or yaks and personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream and toilet paper etc. should be carried by yourself. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags. We will supply complimentary water and wind proof duffel bag which you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek. You can leave your bag with your non-trek items at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect them after the trek.

General

4 seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)

Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary Himalayanrange duffel bag for you to keep.)

Daypack

Down Jacket (Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

Shade hat or baseball cap - some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.

Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears.

Balaclava - lightweight, thinner variety.

Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.

Headlamp - Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don't go cheap here.

Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (optional).

A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).

Hand

1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.

2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.

1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom - this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.

1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).

All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.

Feet

4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.

3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.

1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.

1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks and you have worn then before to get used to it (otherwise you will get lots of blister).

1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.

1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary (Optional).

1 pair sandals (Optional).

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well)

Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.

Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.

Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.

Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.

1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.

Miscellaneous, but Important !

Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).

Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of your).

Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport.

Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for Show original message

Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its' effectiveness over time.

Paperback books, cards, mp3 player (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items light weight (Optional).

Binoculars (Optional).

1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR. Digital cameras are ok, but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use (Optional).

Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional).

A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman, some swear by them to avoid that chilly late night trip (Optional).

1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional).

This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipments can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.

Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.